makes flight stands for 1/300 scale aircraft.One of Churchill's Own – The Memoirs of Battle of Britain Ace John Greenwood
John Greenwood was born in East London on 3 April 1921. In February 1939, at the age of 18, he forged his father's signature and joined the RAF on a short-service commission. Seven months later, Britain declared war on Germany and 253 Squadron was formed. In May 1940, John and his fellow pilots were sent to France with 24 hours' notice, where he shot down a Dornier 17 and a Messerschmitt 109 the next day, before returning to England with only four pilots and three aircraft left. 253 Squadron was then sent to Kirton in Lindsay to reform, having lost half the squadron in France, including the CO and both Flight Commanders. At the end of August 1940, the squadron flew down to Kenley to join the Battle of Britain. The next day, he shot down a Heinkel III and was subsequently credited with half a Junkers 88 and a Messerschmitt 109. Despite being credited with five-and-a-half victories in France and the Battle of Britain, he was, controversially, one of the few aces never to be awarded a DFC.
Although he emigrated to Australia in the 1950s, he returned to London for the 25th, 50th and 60th Battle of Britain Anniversaries, then again in 2005 for the unveiling of the Battle of Britain monument, before passing away in 2014. He was the last surviving member of 253 Squadron, this is his story.
